2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Review: A Clever Pickup Alternative With a Few Frustrations

• The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz remains a solid alternative to compact SUVs with an upgraded design.

• Electrical and usability quirks, including Apple CarPlay connectivity issues, raise concerns about reliability.

• Strong turbocharged performance and good value make the base Preferred trim the smart pick.

From the beginning, I’ve thought Hyundai’s Santa Cruz was a brilliant idea. When it launched for 2022, the compact truck market was heating up with the Ford Maverick on the way, updated mid-sizers like the Tacoma and Ranger arriving, and even the stalwart Frontier getting refreshed. The timing was perfect. But what really stood out was Hyundai’s positioning—rather than trying to compete with body-on-frame trucks, the Santa Cruz was marketed as an alternative to the Tucson SUV. It gave buyers something familiar with the added bonus of an open bed. That was clever.

I attended the Canadian launch in 2022 and was impressed. The Santa Cruz was and is stylish, practical, and drives well. Fast-forward to this refreshed 2025 model, and much of that still holds true. But my time with the new Santa Cruz wasn’t entirely smooth sailing. Some foibles left me wondering whether Hyundai’s compact pickup is aging as well as it should.

What’s New for 2025?

The updates for 2025 are mostly cosmetic. The front end gets a redesigned light signature, new bumpers, and refreshed wheels. The XRT trim, which is what I tested, goes the rugged route with blacked-out trim, a more aggressive grille, and tow hooks. It’s the best-looking Santa Cruz yet, in my opinion. The black roof rails and chunky cladding give it real presence. Around back, not much has changed, but I still appreciate the integrated bumper-mounted bed steps—they’re a small touch that adds actual usability.

In Canada, pricing starts at $41,999 for the base Preferred trim, which comes well-equipped with the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, heated seats and steering wheel, an 18-inch wheel setup, and a tonneau cover. The XRT, with its unique styling and off-road aesthetic, jumps to $47,499. The range-topping Ultimate costs $50,499 and adds 20-inch wheels, a digital instrument panel, and a sunroof.

Performance and Comfort

One of the Santa Cruz’s biggest strengths is its drivetrain. The turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder produces 281 horsepower and, more importantly, 311 lb-ft of torque from just 1,700 rpm. That means effortless acceleration, and the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) keeps things quick and responsive—most of the time. Like many DCTs, it can hesitate and shudder at low speeds, but it’s sharp and well-matched to the engine’s power delivery in regular driving.

All-wheel drive is standard, as the 2025 Santa Cruz gets Hyundai’s HTRAC system. It’s perfectly capable in winter, though it leans heavily on its front wheels unless you push it. The XRT trim might look like an off roader, but its approach and departure angles aren’t much different from the other trims, and it lacks real off-road capability beyond some extra cladding and all-terrain tires.

Ride quality is surprisingly refined. Hyundai has tuned the suspension slightly firmer than the Tucson’s, which makes sense for a truck, but it doesn’t punish you over rough roads. It’s comfortable enough for daily driving, and visibility is solid despite the high beltline.

Bugs and Glitches

Unfortunately, my time with the 2025 Santa Cruz wasn’t without its headaches. The retractable tonneau cover’s (a great idea in theory) handle froze unlatched in sub-zero temperatures. Then, when the ambient temperature warmed up, the handle unfroze, causing the cover to open completely without warning. Not ideal when you’re carrying something you’d rather keep covered.

Worse still were the electrical gremlins. Midway through my test week, I got an error message about the electronic stability control (ESC) and ABS brakes. I figured it was a cold-weather issue, so I parked the truck in a heated garage overnight. The next day, with everything thawed, the warning lights returned the moment I started driving. The brakes and traction control still functioned, but the glowing dashboard reminders were frustrating.

And then there’s Apple CarPlay. The Santa Cruz has wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, but I prefer plugging in via USB for a more stable connection. Except here, even wired CarPlay dropped out randomly—sometimes in the middle of a phone call, sometimes mid-song, sometimes just before I needed to make a turn while using Waze. I swapped cables, tried different devices, and still had the same problem. Infuriating.

Fuel Economy and Final Thoughts

Fuel consumption is another consideration. In mixed driving, Hyundai rates the 2025 Santa Cruz at around 11 L/100 km, but I struggled to get under 15 L/100 km in winter conditions. That’s a disappointing figure, even if I remove 10% from that number for a handful of grin-inducing-snow-covered-driving moments.

At its core, the Santa Cruz is a great idea, and in many ways, it’s still a compelling vehicle. It drives well, looks unique, and offers versatility that SUVs don’t, much like the desirable Subaru Baja. The Preferred trim is the best value, offering the same strong engine and practicality without unnecessary frills.

But here’s the issue—Ford’s Maverick exists. If you’re looking for a compact truck, the Maverick is more affordable, offers hybrid efficiency, and generally has fewer frustrating quirks. If you’ve got a bigger budget, the Honda Ridgeline is the better urban pickup.

The Santa Cruz is still a solid option, but these small issues add up. It’s another reminder of why I always recommend leasing a Hyundai or Kia instead of buying one. It’s an attractive, well-equipped truck alternative, but it comes with just enough headaches to make you think twice.

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz

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